When I went to my first airsoft game, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into or what I should have brought to my first game. I had a pretty good idea of the basics.
However, I was so focused on the essential equipment that I didn’t think of these things that would have improved my experience.
Here are a few items that you should definitely pack for your first game:
1. Extra water/ snacks
You can never have too much water with you. I’d suggest bringing a gallon jug and a water bottle you can carry. A great alternative that is much easier to work with would be a hydration pack. These allow you to keep the extra water weight on your rig and have a convenient hose to drink.
You’ll also want some snacks. I like to carry food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated, such as protein bars and beef jerky.
2. Gloves
Oftentimes, people forget to bring gloves. Not only are they nice in the winter months when it’s cold, they are also good to have in the summer.
Getting shot in the knuckle doesn’t feel great (especially at close range), so I’d suggest these Condor gloves to protect your hands.
3. Extra battery
Bringing an extra battery with you is a good idea, even more so if there is not access to power where you are playing to charge your battery. You don’t want to risk ruining your trip with a dead battery and no backup options.
I run with several extra batteries these days just in case of an issue.
4. Chair
It’s worth having a chair when you return to the staging area. Some fields have a few chairs provided, but it's nice to set up your own under some shade.
Microfiber cloth/Anti-fog
Unfortunately, Google fogging is a problem that will not go away anytime soon. The best option to combat it is to have a cloth you can clean the lens with, along with the antifog solution.
5. Hand warmers
These are nice to have for yourself, but another great use for them is keeping your extra batteries warm. Batteries don’t like cold temperatures, but if you keep them contained with a hand warmer, they have a better chance of keeping their charge longer.
6. Extra magazines
Sometimes, I go through more ammo than expected, and when I do, I’m glad when I’ve packed extra bb’s. You’ll have to experiment to find out how much ammo you tend to use, but I’ve found that I typically use about 200-400 rounds in a 20-minute game.
By following this guide on what to wear for airsoft and packing the additional essentials listed, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your first airsoft game to the fullest. Remember, airsoft is not just about the gear but also about strategy, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Enjoy the game, and welcome to the airsoft community!